90 Years Strong - Longevity

How do you get to celebrate 90 birthdays? As with most worthwhile questions, there's no easy answer. Because so much goes into it, the answer is complicated. Over the past year, we've examined the question from different perspectives, and a few basic truths have stood out like stars in the dark Sonoran sky.

First, respect others and yourself. This goes back to founder Roy H. Long and our earliest days as a company. Mr. Long believed taking care of his customers was the best way to build his business. Fair dealing and always keeping your word have served us well. That's why so many of our clients tell us, "Our grandparents bought their homes through you. It's a family tradition."

Next, understand that you are part of a community. We sponsor cultural organizations and support community-service groups not because it's good business—although it is—but because we live where we work. We know a thriving community is as important to the people who live there as fertile soil is to a farmer. And, within the Long Companies, you'll find a corporate culture of mutual support and encouragement.

Changing with the times is important, too. We've never been satisfied with just keeping up with our industry. Through constant evolution and innovation, we lead the way. What began in 1926 as a one-office agency is now the dominant real estate company in Southern Arizona, and we're not done yet. Through strategic alliances, world-class technology and strong franchising relationships with independent agencies, we continue to grow in our market and to expand our footprint into new areas.

Finally, have healthful habits. In the corporate sense, what do "healthful habits" look like? Build your company with the best people. Always be planning your next step, and the step after that. Seek alliances that serve both you and your allies well. If you encounter a box, think outside it.

"Get plenty of sleep" is one longevity tip we don't follow. In real estate, you don't survive by sleeping late or taking long naps. Our robust online data systems make it possible to look at properties, review marketplace conditions and consider prospective agents 24 hours a day, from virtually anywhere in the world.

But our data systems are only tools to help get the job done. It's the people—the Long Companies' family of agents, managers, office personnel, IT staffers and many others—who form the heart of our enterprise. Since they're human, they do need to sleep. But that's only so they can bring their best effort to every relationship and every transaction.

Respect. Community. Change. Healthful habits. Energy. They're guiding principles, not buzz-words. They've brought us through nine decades, and they'll take us into the future. When we say "Take the Long way home," we'll be there to help you do it.